These essays are philosophical, funny, instructional, and best of all, inspiring. Kingsolver has such wonderful things to say about appreciation, toleThese essays are philosophical, funny, instructional, and best of all, inspiring. Kingsolver has such wonderful things to say about appreciation, tolerance, librarians, and all the wonders of the world. And there are hundreds of perfect lines. I love this one, an impression of her earlier self. “Here, take this child, we will trade her to you for a sack of lima beans.”

Kingsolver also evokes a wonderful literary voice. She's resilient and level-headed, even as she describes herself sobbing in a hotel room full of strangers. And she's always sincere, even as she describes her impressive abilities as a liar.

Many of these essays draw upon her expertise as a biologist. My favorites include her stories of the Canary Islands, Benin, and her hermit crab Buster. Her reprise confirms how fortunate her husband must feel, to share such a remarkable life. ...more

This is a strong story, with interesting insights into Latino culture. But there’s too much of a fairy tale feel-good component for what is otherwiseThis is a strong story, with interesting insights into Latino culture. But there’s too much of a fairy tale feel-good component for what is otherwise a very realistic work of fiction.

I like how Resau depicts the illegal immigrant network from Mexico to the US. She provides fascinating details of Mexican village life as well. And I wonder how accurate her description is, concerning the dangers of Guatemala. One of my colleagues is Guatemalan: from what he’s shared, and the evidence of this novel, there’s no way I’d let my daughter go there alone on any kind of half-baked boyfriend-saving quest.

But that is exactly what happens here. All sorts of remarkable coincidences and mini-miracles ensue. Too much of a good thing. Speaking of too much, Great-Aunt Dika is a plus-sized paradigm of bawdy excess, from her varicose veins to her “Mein Gott!” laments of love. ...more

The New Yorker is my favorite magazine. But it’s not a quick read. I rarely finish more than one major article in a single sitting. Gladwell has gatheThe New Yorker is my favorite magazine. But it’s not a quick read. I rarely finish more than one major article in a single sitting. Gladwell has gathered 19 of his New Yorker essays, and it was tough for me to get very far without a break. I only recognized a few previous reads, so I feel lucky in that regard.

Favorites include “What the Dog Saw,” “The Pitchman,” and “The New-Boy Network,” a more manageable condensation of Gladwell’s overlong treatise, “Blink.” The overriding theme of this collection is “Why do we think and act the way we do?” “What defines success or failure?” And maybe, “How can I get some more commercial mileage out of what I’ve already published?” But I don’t begrudge Gladwell that third target. He uncovers fascinating situations, he asks interesting questions, and he has the ability to present all sorts of provocative solutions. Best for new readers, but well worth a fresh look for New Yorker regulars. ...more